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The Indonesian Care for Cancer Kids Foundation (YKAKI) welcomes people who want to donate and have an 'iftar' event with children suffering from cancer in one of their shelters.. (Shutterstock/File)

It is never too late to donate, including in this holy month of Ramadhan. The Indonesian Care for Cancer Kids Foundation (YKAKI) has always welcomed people who want to hold a buka bersama (breaking-of-the-fast event) in one of the foundation’s Rumah Kita (Our House) shelters for children with cancer and their families in Jakarta.

When it comes to donations, YKAKI founder Ira Soelistyo said that money was more flexible.

“It’s because we also maintain other Rumah Kita shelters in eight cities [Bandung, Surabaya in east Java, Yogyakarta, Manado in North Sulawesi, Makassar in South Sulawesi, Riau, Semarang in Central Java and Malang in East Java]. All of them are managed by [the office] in Jakarta.”

Meanwhile, those who want to donate goods should contact the foundation first.

“We usually tell [donators] what we need. They can then choose what they can donate,” Ira said.

“For now, we need many things for our new Rumah Kita, starting from music instruments for children to play, operational cars for our employees as well as patients, kitchen appliances and office supplies […] Perhaps you have secondhand piano that you want to donate; it doesn’t have to be new.”

People who want to hold iftar (snacks for breaking the fast) events with the children are advised to contact the foundation by sending a proposal or letter through e-mail. However, although Rumah Kita fits around 100 people, the gathering should be a small-scale event because the shelter also houses YKAKI’s office.

Meanwhile, dishes served to the children must not contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives and food coloring.

Established in 2006, YKAKI conducts various programs for children suffering from cancer. Among them are Sekolah Ku (My School), which allows the children to continue their schooling while undergoing treatment and medication.

YKAKI also regularly holds charity events, including Berani Gundul (Dare to be Bald) last February to commemorate International Childhood Cancer Day.

Further information about the foundation and Rumah Kita can be found on the foundation’s website. (asw)